The Challenge

The Inspiration

Julie Powell.  As portrayed in the movie, Julie & Julia and on her blog, the Julie/Julia Project. Julie was looking for a challenge.  And in the Julie/Julia project she found it.

Suzanne Vale is looking for a creative outlet.  And the Suzanne/Susan Project may be just the thing.

The Book

The 'Pasta' in 'Pizza and Pasta'.  Second edition, 1988.  Susan Conte.  Pages 36 to 117.  

A relatively unknown collection of recipes in a book lacking in aesthetic appeal and which I bought for almost nothing from a discount table in a tired Brunswick mall in 1993.  It is now 20 years later and we live in Stephanie's world.  But Susan Conte taught me to cook.  She turned my cheap, lazy student efforts into astoundingly simple but satiating, gourmet surprises.  

Who is Susan Conte?  

Not even Wikipedia seems to know.  The first clues are in the Forward.  Apparently, Susan Conte sought to do for Britain with Italian food what, according to the movie, Julia Child did for America with French food.

She achieved it for at least one Australian.

The Contender

Legal eagle by day.  Artist, flutist, singer, screenwriter and cook by night.   Suzanne Vale's mid-life crisis is playing itself out in new hobbies and she wants something to show for them.  Risking a small portion of self esteem she has signed on for this conspicuously achievable assignment.

365 days. 93 recipes.  Pasta every fourth day?  One woman and a brand new kitchen.

How far will it go?  

The Suzanne/Susan Project.  See you for the next meal ...